Abstract
This chapter examines (neo-)institutionalist (including legal) approaches and their application in the study of EU–Russian relations. The multiple advantages of institutional approaches and the possibility of combining their elements with various theoretical assumptions and agendas led to a wide application of institutionalism, including cooperation between the EU and Russia. The chapter is divided into two parts: the first providing an overview of institutional approaches and the second explaining their application by EU–Russia researchers. The first part starts with an examination of definitions of international institutions indicating two approaches; then it turns to a description of classical institutionalism and new institutionalist approaches (rational choice, historical, sociological and discursive). The second part examines factors that have influenced the choice of a particular theoretical framework, including the research agenda, political context and theoretical assumptions of each institutionalist approach. Finally, it identifies the theoretical challenges that institutionalist approaches have faced as a result of the present political crisis between the EU and Russia.
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